Google went big at CES this year, tripling the size of its presence over 2018. But the most intriguing part of its booth might not be the gadgets.
It's "The Ride," a three minute roller-coaster of sorts that tells the story of how you can use the Google Assistant throughout your day. I just rode it. Here's what it was like.
CNBC | Todd Haselton
Google's ride at CES 2019
You start off in a room where a man is sleeping, and it's implied that we're about to go through his day and how he uses Google Assistant. It feels a lot like one of those starting rooms at Disney World.
CNBC | Todd Haselton
Google's ride at CES 2019
Next, I walked up a bunch of stairs and waited in line for the ride.
CNBC | Todd Haselton
Google's ride at CES 2019
Almost there!
CNBC | Todd Haselton
Google's ride at CES 2019
Google puts two people in each cart and a bar locks you in place.
CNBC | Todd Haselton
We're ready to go!
We hear "OK Google start the ride," and we're off!
CNBC | Todd Haselton
Google's ride at CES 2019
This was the first area, representing how you can use Google Maps and auto on your morning commute.
CNBC | Todd Haselton
Google's ride at CES 2019
You might hit some traffic!
CNBC | Todd Haselton
Google's ride at CES 2019
Or bad weather, which Google can route you around.
CNBC | Todd Haselton
Google's ride at CES 2019
Then doors open and suddenly we're outside, over CES!
CNBC | Todd Haselton
Google's ride at CES 2019
Lots of people rode it with us.
CNBC | Todd Haselton
Google's ride at CES 2019
Back inside. This room implies we can use Google Assistant to find a bakery, or to give you recipes if you want to bake your own goods.
CNBC | Todd Haselton
Google's ride at CES 2019
Or use Google Assistant to take a selfie...
CNBC | Todd Haselton
Google's ride at CES 2019
... at grandma's 91st birthday! (Which is what the cake was for.)
CNBC | Todd Haselton
Google's ride at CES 2019
And, about three minutes or so after we started, we pulled back into the station. There weren't any wild loops or drops, just a curving track that showed us how Google Assistant can help throughout the day. It was fun and it's the most impressive booth experience I've ever seen at any trade show.
